I swept into the veil, leaping from the wall of the Stronghold, bypassing the dining hall and Max, leaving Jiao behind though I felt her curiosity at my departure. I reassured her with a flashed image of the darkness, a touch of my need to be alone. She let me go without comment for which I was grateful.

It wasn't that I was watched or followed. Quite the contrary. I thought being a coven leader and a witch meant being in touch constantly with ...